EP3545782A1

EP3545782A1 - Undergarment with lights

Info

Publication number: EP3545782A1
Application number: EP18197618.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Julissa Del Rosario
Original assignee: Avant Garde Products LLC
Current assignee: Avant Garde Products LLC
Priority date: 2018-03-28
Filing date: 2018-09-28
Publication date: 2019-10-02

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an undergarment (10). The undergarment (10) includes a back panel (14) and a front panel (12). The front panel (12) is merged to the back panel (14) at a crotch section (16, 18) and at two opposing hip sections (18A). The front panel (12) has an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (20). An animal print (24) is on the outer surface (20) of the front panel (12), the animal print (24) including a plurality of eye sites (26A). A pouch (34) is on the inner surface (22) of the front panel (12). The pouch (34) is aligned with the eye sites (26A). A plurality of light devices (48A) are in the pouch (34). Each light device (26A, 48A, 48B) is mated with a respective eye site (26A, 26B), and is configured to emit light through a respective eye site (26A, 26B).

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed to undergarments.
Longstanding problems in the undergarment industry are increased allure and the ability to attract attention. Attempts have been made to increase allure by reducing the amount of fabric to increase a wearer's exposure, and by utilizing sheer fabric such as lace. However, fabric selection and the amount of wearer exposure are not visible in the dark. Attempts have also been made to incorporate light elements into an undergarment. However, these light elements have been found to become damaged during washing. Wearers do not wash the undergarments to avoid damage to the light elements, which is unsanitary. Additionally, these light elements can be uncomfortable for the wearer due to sharp edges and the bulkiness of the lights.
The art recognizes the need for an undergarment that includes elements that can attract attention in the dark, without compromising the washability and comfort of the undergarment.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an undergarment. The undergarment includes:

a back panel;
a front panel merged to the back panel at a crotch section and at two opposing hip sections, the front panel having an inner surface and an outer surface;
an animal print on the outer surface of the front panel, the animal print including a plurality of eye sites;
a pouch on the inner surface of the front panel, the pouch aligned with the eye sites; and
a plurality of light devices in the pouch, each light device mated with a respective eye site, each light device configured to emit light through a respective eye site.

The present disclosure provides another undergarment. The undergarment includes:

a back panel;
a front panel merged to the back panel at a crotch section and at two opposing hip sections, the front panel having an inner surface and an outer surface;
an animal print on the outer surface of the front panel, the animal print including two eye sites;
a pouch on the inner surface of the front panel, the pouch aligned with the eye sites; and
two light devices in the pouch, each light device mated with a respective eye site, each light device configured to emit light through a respective eye site; and
an audio-emitting device in the pouch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a top plan view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a front elevation view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a right side elevation view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a left side elevation view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a rear elevation view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of an undergarment in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12A is a cut-away perspective view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12B is a cut-away perspective view of an undergarment in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12C is a sectional view taken along line 12C-12C of Figure 12B.

DEFINITIONS AND TEST METHODS

For purposes of United States patent practice, the contents of any referenced patent, patent application or publication are incorporated by reference in their entirety (or its equivalent US version is so incorporated by reference) especially with respect to the disclosure of definitions (to the extent not inconsistent with any definitions specifically provided in this disclosure) and general knowledge in the art.
The numerical ranges disclosed herein include all values from, and including, the lower and upper value. For ranges containing explicit values (e.g., 1 or 2; or 3 to 5; or 6; or 7), any subrange between any two explicit values is included (e.g., 1 to 2; 2 to 6; 5 to 7; 3 to 7; 5 to 6; etc.).
Unless stated to the contrary, implicit from the context, or customary in the art, all parts and percents are based on weight and all test methods are current as of the filing date of this disclosure.
The terms "comprising," "including," "having" and their derivatives, are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. In order to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of the term "comprising" may include any additional additive, adjuvant, or compound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term "consisting essentially of" excludes from the scope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step, or procedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. The term "consisting of" excludes any component, step, or procedure not specifically delineated or listed. The term "or," unless stated otherwise, refers to the listed members individually as well as in any combination. Use of the singular includes use of the plural and vice versa.
"Fabric" is a woven or non-woven (such as knitted) structure formed from individual fibers or yarn.
"Fiber" and like terms refer to an elongated column of entangled filaments. Fiber diameter can be measured and reported in a variety of fashions. Generally, fiber diameter is measured in denier per filament. Denier is a textile term which is defined as the grams of the fiber per 9000 meters of that fiber's length. Monofilament generally refers to an extruded strand having a denier per filament greater than 15, usually greater than 30. Fine denier fiber generally refers to fiber having a denier of 15 or less. Microdenier (aka microfiber) generally refers to fiber having a diameter not greater than 100 micrometers.
"Filament" and like terms refer to a single, continuous strand of elongated material having generally round cross-section and a length to diameter ratio of greater than 10.
A "knitted fabric" is formed from intertwining yarn or fibers in a series of connected loops either by hand, with knitting needles, or on a machine. The fabric may be formed by warp or weft knitting, flat knitting, and circular knitting. Nonlimiting examples of suitable warp knits include tricot, raschel powernet, and lacing. Nonlimiting examples of suitable weft knits include circular, flat, and seamless (which is often considered a subset of circular knits).
"Nonwoven" refers to a web or a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are randomly interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as is the case of a knitted fabric.
"Woven" refers to a web or a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid in a pattern in an identifiable manner. A nonlimiting example of a woven fabric is a knitted fabric.
"Yarn" is a continuous length of twisted or otherwise entangled filaments that can be used in the manufacture of woven or knitted fabrics.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides an undergarment. The undergarment includes a back panel and a front panel. The front panel is merged to the back panel at a crotch section and at two opposing hip sections. The front panel has an inner surface and an outer surface. An animal print is on the outer surface of the front panel, the animal print including a plurality of eye sites. A pouch is on the inner surface of the front panel. The pouch is aligned with the eye sites. A plurality of light devices are in the pouch. Each light device is mated with a respective eye site, and is configured to emit light through a respective eye site.
An "undergarment" is an article of clothing configured to be worn adjacent a wearer's skin that covers, or partially covers, the wearer's genitals. The wearer may be a man (male) or a woman (female). Nonlimiting examples of suitable undergarments include underwear and swimming suits. "Underwear" is an article of clothing designed to be worn underneath other clothing articles. A "swimming suit" is an article of clothing designed to be worn while a user is swimming. Figure 1 shows an undergarment 10 that is underwear on a female wearer 2. The undergarment 10 cover's the wearer's 2 genitals.
The undergarment 10 has a back panel 14 and a front panel 12. The back panel 14 and the front panel 12 each is formed from a fabric. The fabric may be woven or nonwoven. In an embodiment, the fabric is woven. The fabric is formed from individual fibers that may be natural fibers, artificial fibers, or a combination thereof. Nonlimiting examples of suitable natural fibers include cotton, wool, hemp, and combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of artificial fibers include polyesters, polyamides, acrylics, polyolefins, polyvinyl chlorides, polyvinylidene chlorides, polyvinyl alcohols, and combinations thereof. While the back panel 14 and the front panel 12 may be separate pieces of fabric, it is understood that the back panel 14 and the front panel 12 may be formed from a single piece of fabric, or from 2, or 3, or 4 to 6, or 10, or more pieces of fabric. In an embodiment, the back panel 14 and the front panel 12 are formed from 1 to 2 pieces of fabric.
The back panel 14 and the front panel 12 are merged at a crotch section 16 and two opposing hip sections 18a, 18b. As shown in Figure 1, the crotch section 16 is the region of the undergarment that covers, or partially covers, the wearer's genitals. The crotch section 16 includes a portion of the back panel 14 and a portion of the front panel 12, as shown in Figure 7. The hip sections 18a, 18b are the regions of the undergarment that wrap around a wearer's hips, as shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6.
The back panel 14 and the front panel 12 may be merged by stitching, folding, an adhesive (such as glue), reciprocal fastening members, and combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of suitable reciprocal fastening members include loop and hook material (VELCRO®), a snap and a snap base, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the back panel 14 and the front panel 12 are merged by stitching.
The merged back panel 14 and front panel 12 form a clothing shape. Nonlimiting examples of clothing shapes include brief, bikini, thong, boy-short, g-string, tanga, hipster, and boxer. Figures 1 and 8 show an undergarment 10 with a bikini clothing shape.
The front panel 12 has two opposing surfaces, including an inner surface 22 and an outer surface 20, as shown in Figure 2. The "inner surface" is the panel surface configured to contact a wearer's skin. The "outer surface" is the panel surface facing away from the wearer.
A waist edge 17 is formed from the merged back panel 14 and front panel 12. As shown in Figure 1, the waist edge 17 is the top edge of the undergarment 10 that encircles a wearer's 2 waist or hips.

Animal Print

An animal print is on the outer surface of the front panel. An "animal print" is an image of an animal type's head. An "animal type" is a real or imaginary mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, or fish. Nonlimiting examples of suitable mammals include cats, dogs, humans (including public figures and celebrities), horses, unicorns, bears, badgers, and rabbits. Nonlimiting examples of suitable birds include flamingoes, parrots, cardinals, eagles, falcons, hummingbirds, owls, and penguins. Nonlimiting examples of suitable reptiles include crocodiles, alligators, turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards, and dragons. Nonlimiting examples of suitable amphibians include frogs, toads, and salamander. Nonlimiting examples of suitable fish include sharks, sting rays, goldfish, clownfish, puffer fish, and swordfish.
In an embodiment, the animal print is a mammal print, or further a cat print. Nonlimiting examples of suitable cats include domestic cat, lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cheetah, cougar, lynx, ocelot, snow leopard, and wildcat. Figure 1 shows an animal print 24 that is a cat print of a domestic cat.
The animal print 24 is on the outer surface 20 of the front panel 12. The animal print 24 may be printed on the outer surface 20 of the front panel 12, painted on the outer surface 20 of the front panel 12, adhered to the outer surface 20 of the front panel 12, embroidered on the outer surface 20 of the front panel 12, sewn on the outer surface 20 of the front panel 12, or a pattern woven into the fabric of the front panel 12. In an embodiment, the animal print 24 is printed on the outer surface 20 of the front panel, such as by screen printing.
The animal print 24 includes a plurality of eye sites 26a, 26b. An "eye site" is a location of an animal's eye. Each eye site may include a graphic depiction of the animal's eye, or it may be an area void of an eye depiction. The animal print 24 may include from 2 to 3, or 4 eye sites. In an embodiment, the animal print 24 includes two, and only two, eye sites. Figure 1 shows an animal print 24 with two eye sites 26a, 26b.
Each eye site 26a, 26b on the front panel 12 is transparent, translucent, or void (fully void or partially void) of fabric such that light may be emitted through each eye site. Each eye site 26a, 26b on the front panel 12 is transparent or translucent, such that light may be emitted through each eye site. In another embodiment, each eye site 26a, 26b is void of fabric. In other words, each eye site 26a, 26b is an orifice through the front panel 12.
In an embodiment, each eye site 26a, 26b includes a graphic depiction of the animal's eye. In other words, each eye site 26a, 26b includes an image of a pupil, and optionally an iris.
Each eye site 26a, 26b has a shape. Nonlimiting examples of suitable eye site shapes include circular, oval, almond, and canoe. Figure 1 depicts two eye sites 26a, 26b, each having a circular shape.
As shown in Figure 3, each eye site 26a, 26b is located between the waist edge 17 and the crotch section 16. In an embodiment, each eye site 26a, 26b is located a distance, A, of from 1 centimeter (cm), or 2 cm, or 3 cm to 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm, or 7 cm, or 8 cm, or 9 cm, or 10 cm from the waist edge 17.
In an embodiment, the animal print 24 includes a first eye site 26a and a second eye site 26b, as shown in Figure 3. The first eye site 26a is located a distance, B, of from 2 cm, or 3 cm, or 4 cm, or 5 cm to 6 cm, or 7 cm, or 8 cm, or 9 cm, or 10 cm from the second eye site 26b.
In an embodiment, the ratio of the distance A (between each eye site 26a, 26b and the waist edge 17) and the distance B (between the first eye site 26a and the second eye site 26b), hereinafter the "Distance A:Distance B Ratio," is from 0.1, or 0.5, or 0.6 to 0.7, or 0.8, or 0.9, or 1.0, or 1.1, or 1.2, or 1.3, or 1.5, or 2.0, or 5.0. In an embodiment, the Distance A:Distance B Ratio is from 0.5 to 0.8.
In an embodiment, the animal print 24 includes a first eye site 26a and a second eye site 26b, and the animal print 24 has one, some, or all of the following properties:

(i) each eye site 26a, 26b is located a distance, A, of from 2 cm, or 3 cm to 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm from the waist edge 17; and/or
(ii) the first eye site 26a is located a distance, B, of from 2 cm, or 3 cm, or 4 cm, or 5 cm to 6 cm, or 7 cm, or 8 cm from the second eye site 26b; and/or
(iii) the Distance A:Distance B Ratio is from 0.5, or 0.6 to 0.7, or 0.8, or 0.9, or 1.0, or 1.1, or 1.2, or 1.3, or 1.5.

In an embodiment, the animal print 24 includes one or more optional facial features. Nonlimiting examples of suitable optional facial features include a mouth, a nose, eye brows, eye lashes, whiskers, ears, a tongue, teeth, antlers, horns, gills, and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the animal print 24 includes a mouth. The mouth is a graphic depiction of the animal's mouth. Figure 1 shows an animal print 24 with a mouth 28, a nose 30, and two ears 32. The mouth 28 is aligned with, or located within, the crotch section 16 of the undergarment 10. The nose 30 is located between the mouth 28 and the eye sites 26a, 26b. The ears 32 are located between the eye sites 26a, 26b and the waist edge 17.
It is understood that while Figure 1 depicts the relative locations of the eye sites 26a, 26b, mouth 28, nose 30, and ears 32 based on a domestic cat, the relative locations of the eye sites, mouth, nose, and ears may change depending on the animal type depicted in the animal print.
The animal print may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

Pouch

A pouch is on the inner surface of the front panel. The pouch is aligned with the eye sites. A "pouch" is a pocket-like receptacle formed by a portion of the peripheral edge of the pouch panel 36 being attached to the inner surface 22. The pouch 34 forms a void volume in which the light devices are placed. Nonlimiting examples of suitable attachments include stitching, an adhesive (such as glue), reciprocal fastening members, and combinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of suitable reciprocal fastening members include loop and hook material (VELCRO®), a snap and a snap base, and combinations thereof. Figure 2 shows a pouch 34 formed between the front panel 12 and the pouch panel 36, formed by an adhesive 38 that extends along a portion of the pouch panel 36 peripheral edge and attaches the pouch panel 36 to the inner surface 22 of the front panel 12. Figure 12A shows a pouch 34 formed between the front panel 12 and the pouch panel 36, formed by an adhesive that extends along a portion of the pouch panel 36 peripheral edge and attaches the pouch panel 36 to the inner surface 22 of the front panel 12, the pouch 34 having an opening to provide access to the pouch interior.
The pouch panel 36 may be formed from any panel fabric disclosed herein. The front panel 12, the back panel 14, and the pouch panel 36 each may be formed from the same fabric or a different fabric. In an embodiment, the front panel 12, the back panel 14, and the pouch panel 36 each is formed from the same fabric.
In an embodiment, the pouch 34 includes an opening. An "opening" is an edge, or a portion of an edge, of the pouch panel 36 that is not attached to the front panel 12. Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C depict a pouch 34 with an opening. The opening may or may not be re-closable. A "re-closable opening" is an opening that may be attached and detached without damaging the undergarment, such as with a reciprocal fastening member.
In an embodiment, the pouch 34 is waterproof. A "waterproof" pouch prevents water or moisture from entering the void volume when the opening is closed.
The pouch 34 is aligned with the eye sites 26a, 26b. A pouch that is "aligned with" eye sites is positioned to be directly behind the eye sites, with the eye sites on the outer surface 20 of the front panel 12 and the pouch panel 36 covering the rear side of the eye sites on the inner surface 22 of the front panel. Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C depict a pouch 34 with pouch panel 36 that is positioned directly behind the eye sites 26a, 26b.
The undergarment 10 may include from 1, or 2 to 3, or 4 pouches 34. In an embodiment, the undergarment 10 includes one, and only one, pouch 34. Figure 2 shows an undergarment 10 with one pouch 34.
The pouch 34 has a shape. Nonlimiting examples of suitable pouch shapes include ovoid shape and polygonal shape. A "polygonal shape" is a closed-plane figure bounded by at least three sides. Nonlimiting examples of suitable polygonal shapes include triangle, square, rectangle, parallelogram, hexagon and octagon. Figures 2 and 4 depict a pouch 34 with a rounded rectangle shape.
As shown in Figure 4, the pouch 34 has a width, C, and a height, D. In an embodiment, the pouch 34 has a width, C, from 3 cm, or 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm to 7 cm, or 8 cm, or 9 cm, or 10 cm, or 11 cm, or 12 cm. In an embodiment, the pouch has a height, D, from 1 cm, or 2 cm, or 3 cm to 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm.
In an embodiment, the ratio of the pouch width C and the pouch height D, hereinafter the "Width C:Height D Ratio," is from 0.5, or 1.0, or 1.5, or 2.0, or 2.2, or 2.5 to 2.8, or 3.0, or 3.5, or 4.0, or 5.0, or 6.0, or 10.0, or 12.0. In an embodiment, the Width C:Height D Ratio is from 2.0, or 2.5 to 3.0.
In an embodiment, the pouch 34 has a rectangle shape with four edges, including a top edge 40, a bottom edge 42, a first side edge 44, and a second side edge 46, as shown in Figure 4.
In an embodiment, the distance, E, between the pouch top edge 40 and the waist edge 17, is from 0.5 cm, or 1 cm, or 2 cm, or 3 cm to 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm, or 7 cm, or 8 cm, or 9 cm, or 10 cm.
In an embodiment, the undergarment 10 includes a single pouch 34 having a rectangle shape or a rounded rectangle shape. The pouch 34 has one, some, or all of the following properties:

(i) a width, C, from 3 cm, or 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm to 7 cm, or 8 cm, or 9 cm, or 10 cm, or 11 cm, or 12 cm; and/or
(ii) a height, D, from 1 cm, or 2 cm, or 3 cm to 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm; and/or
(iii) a Width C:Height D Ratio from 1.0, or 1.5, or 2.0, or 2.2, or 2.5 to 2.8, or 3.0, or 3.5, or 4.0; and/or
(iv) the pouch top edge 40 is located at a distance, E, from the waist edge 17 that is from 0.5 cm, or 1 cm, or 2 cm, or 3 cm to 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm, or 7 cm, or 8 cm, or 9 cm, or 10 cm.

The pouch may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.

Light Devices

A plurality of light devices are located in the pouch. Each light device is mated with a respective eye site. Each light device is configured to emit light through a respective eye site.
A "light device" is a component capable of emitting visible light. Nonlimiting examples of suitable light devices include light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, florescent bulbs, and electroluminescents. In an embodiment, the light devices are LEDs.
Figure 2 shows a pouch 34 containing two light devices 48a, 48b. Each light device 48a, 48b is mated with a respective eye site 26a, 26b, as shown in Figure 1. A light device that is "mated" with an eye site is located directly behind the eye site or extending through the eye site, such that the light device can emit light through the eye site. In Figure 1, the first light device 48a is mated with the first eye site 26a, and the second light device 48b is mated with the second eye site 26b. Figure 12B also depicts the first light device 48a that is mated with the first eye site 26a. As shown in Figure 12B, the first light device 48a is mated with the first eye site 26a because the first light device 48a is positioned directly behind the first eye site 26a.
The pouch 34 contains a plurality of light devices 48a, 48b. In an embodiment, the undergarment 10 includes from 2 to 3, or 4 light devices. The number of light devices is the same as the number of eye sites. In other words, a light device is mated to each eye site. In an embodiment, the undergarment includes two, and only two, light devices. Figure 1 shows an undergarment 10 with two light devices 48a, 48b and two respective eye sites 26a, 26b.
The light devices may be contained in the same pouch or different pouches. Figure 2 shows two light devices 48a, 48b contained within a single pouch 34. In an alternate embodiment, each light device may be contained in its own pouch. In other words, each light device 48a, 48b may be housed in its own respective and discrete pouch.
In an embodiment, the pouch 34 is constructed to hold the plurality of light devices 48a, 48b in intimate contact with the front panel 12 and in alignment with a respective eye site 26a, 26b. A light device in intimate contact with an eye site extends through the eye site, or is adjacent the front panel location on which the eye site is located, the light device in contact with the inner surface 22 fabric behind the eye site, with no intervening layers or structures between the inner surface 22 of the front panel 12 and the light device.
In an embodiment, the pouch is constructed to compressively hold each light device in alignment with a respective eye site. A pouch that "compressively holds" a plurality of light devices maintains the light devices in place by exerting a force on each light device. A light device that is compressively held in place does not move, or does not substantially move, within the pouch so that the light device maintains its alignment with its respective eye site. In an embodiment, the force that compressively holds the light devices in place is caused by stretch of the fabric forming the front panel 12 and/or the pouch panel 36. Figures 12B and 12C depict a pouch 34 compressively holding the light devices 48a, 48b in place by exerting a compressive elastic force on each light.
In an embodiment, each light device 48a, 48b is removable from the pouch 34. A "removable" light device is one that may be placed into or taken out of the pouch 34 without damaging the undergarment 10. In an embodiment, the light devices 48a, 48b are removable from the pouch 34 through an opening at the pouch top edge 40. While the undergarment 10 is being worn, the compressive force exerted on each light device 48a, 48b by the pouch panel 36 and/or front panel 12 prevent the light devices 48a, 48b from coming out of the pouch through the opening at the pouch top edge 40.
Each light device 48a, 48b emits a visible light. In an embodiment, the visible light has a color. Nonlimiting examples of suitable colors include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, white, and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, each light device 48a, 48b is configured to emit light in a pattern. Nonlimiting examples of suitable patterns include a blinking pattern, a sequential pattern, and combinations thereof. The term "blinking" refers to illumination that is intermittent, or rapid and repeating on and off illumination. In the figures, the dash-dot-dash broken lines emanating from the eye sites 26a, 26b represent blinking illumination radiating from the light devices 48a, 48b. In the figures, the horizontal lines in the eye sites 26a, 26b represent illumination of light radiating from the light devices 48a, 48b. The appearance of the undergarment 10 with light devices 48a, 48b blinking in a lighted sequence sequentially transitions between images shown in Figures 9-11.
Each light device 48a, 48b may be activated to emit light. Nonlimiting examples of suitable activations include motion-activated, push-button activated, and toggle switch activated. In an embodiment, each light device 48a, 48b is motion-activated to emit a light, such that a wearer's 2 movement causes the light devices 48a, 48b to emit a light.
In an embodiment, each light device 48a, 48b is configured to emit light in substantially the same direction. Figures 1, 5, and 6 show a first light device 48a and a second light device 48b configured to emit light in substantially the same direction, which is away from the wearer 2.
In an embodiment, each light device 48a, 48b is configured to emit light through the front panel 12 and through the respective eye site 26a, 26b such that the light is visible to the wearer and/or a third party.
The light devices 48a, 48b may or may not be attached to a substrate. In an embodiment, the light devices 48a, 48b are not attached to a substrate. In other words, each light device 48a, 48b is a separate component. In an embodiment, each light device 48a, 48b is electrically connected to its own power source (such as a battery).
In an embodiment, each light device 48a, 48b is attached to a substrate 50, as shown in Figure 12A. Nonlimiting examples of suitable substrates include polymeric material, fabric, wood, cardboard, paperboard, metal, printed circuit board assemblies, and any combination thereof. The substrate 50 support light devices 48a, 48b in a spaced-apart relation. The spaced-apart relation, or distance, between the light devices 48a, 48b on the substrate 50 is the same as, or substantially the same as, distance B. In an embodiment, the substrate is a printed circuit board assembly. A "printed circuit board assembly" or "PCBA" is a component that spaces apart the light devices and electrically connects the light devices 48a, 48b, a power source 52 (such as a battery), and optionally the audio-emitting device 54, as shown in Figure 12A.
The substrate 50 is sized to fit within the pouch 34. In an embodiment, the substrate 50 and the pouch 34 have the same shape. In an embodiment, the substrate 50 and the pouch 34 each has a rectangle shape, as shown in Figure 12A.
In an embodiment, the substrate 50 is removable from the pouch 34.
The light devices may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
In an embodiment, the undergarment includes a second pouch on the inner surface of the front panel, the second pouch aligned with the nose or the mouth of the animal print. The second pouch contains a light device mated with the nose or mouth, the light device configured to emit light through the nose or mouth.

Audio-Emitting Device

In an embodiment, the undergarment includes an audio-emitting device in the pouch.
Figure 12B shows a pouch containing an audio-emitting device 54. An "audio-emitting device" is a component capable of playing audible sounds. A nonlimiting example of a suitable audio-emitting device is a sound chip. The sounds may be pre-recorded and stored in the audio-emitting device and/or replaceable memory chip. Alternatively, the sounds may be recordable by the wearer on the audio-emitting device 54. In another embodiment, the audio-emitting device 54 includes a wireless communication component (near field communication, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), infrared, Bluetooth) capable of receiving a wireless signal from a cell phone or a tablet computer. The audio-emitting device 54 may be configured to play an audible sound received via the wireless communication. Wireless communications are transmitted over wireless connections.
Nonlimiting examples of suitable audible sounds include animal sounds, phrases, and songs. Nonlimiting examples of suitable animal sounds include growl, roar, purr, meow, tweet, hiss, and snap. Nonlimiting examples of suitable phrases include "come get me," "I'm over here," and "hey baby." A nonlimiting example of a suitable song is "Happy Birthday."
In an embodiment, the audible sound is an animal sound. The animal sound is the sound of the animal type of the animal print. For example, when the animal print 24 is of a domestic cat (as in Figure 1), the audio-emitting device 54 plays a purr sound, or a "meow" sound. In another example, when the animal print is of a lion, the audio-emitting device plays a roar sound. In a further example, when the animal print is of a snake, the audio-emitting device plays a hiss sound.
In an embodiment, the audio-emitting device 54 is attached to the substrate 50, as shown in Figure 12A. The substrate 50 is a PCBA that supports light device 48a at a distance B from light device 48b, and electrically connects the light devices 48a, 48b, a power source 52, and the audio-emitting device 54.
The audio-emitting device 54 may be activated to play an audible sound. Nonlimiting examples of suitable activations include motion-activated, push-button activated, and toggle switch activated. In an embodiment, the audio-emitting device 54 is motion-activated to play an audible sound, such that a wearer's 2 movement causes the audio-emitting device 54 to play an audible sound.
In an embodiment, the light devices 48a, 48b and the audio-emitting device 54 each is motion-activated, such that a wearer's 2 movement causes the audio-emitting device 54 to play an audible sound and the light devices 48a, 48b to emit light at the same, or substantially the same, time.
In an embodiment, the plurality of light devices 48a, 48b, the audio-emitting device 54, and/or the power source 52 are waterproof. A "waterproof" light device, audio-emitting device, or power source is a component that continues to function after exposure to water at a depth of up to 3 feet for a duration of up to 1 hour. Waterproof light devices 48a, 48b, a waterproof audio-emitting device 54, and/or a waterproof power source 52 may advantageously be run through a washing machine without losing their functionality. In an embodiment, the light devices, the audio-emitting device, and the power source are positioned within a plastic sleeve that is waterproof, and the plastic sleeve containing the light devices, the audio-emitting device, and the power source is positioned within the pouch.
Bounded by no particular theory, it is believed that the light devices mated with a respective eye site of the animal print, alone or in combination with the audio-emitting device, enhance the sexual innuendo of the undergarment 10, thereby increasing the allure, mystique, and/or attraction of the wearer 2 of undergarment 10 by onlookers.
The audio-emitting device may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
In an embodiment, the undergarment includes:

a back panel 14;
a front panel 12 merged to the back panel 14 at a crotch section 16 and at two opposing hip sections 18a, 18b, the front panel 12 comprising an inner surface 22 and an outer surface 20;
an animal print 24 on the outer surface 20 of the front panel 12, the animal print 24 comprising two eye sites 26a, 26b;
a pouch 34 on the inner surface 22 of the front panel 12, the pouch 34 aligned with the eye sites 26a, 26b; and
two light devices 48a, 48b in the pouch 34, each light device 48a, 48b mated with a respective eye site 26a, 26b, each light device 26a, 26b configured to emit light through a respective eye site 26a, 26b;
an audio-emitting device 54 in the pouch 34;
optionally, a substrate 50 in the pouch 34, wherein the light devices 48a, 48b and the audio-emitting device 54 are attached to the substrate 50;

(i) each eye site 26a, 26b is located a distance, A, of from 2 cm, or 3 cm to 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm from the waist edge 17; and/or
(ii) the first eye site 26a is located a distance, B, of from 2 cm, or 3 cm, or 4 cm, or 5 cm to 6 cm, or 7 cm, or 8 cm from the second eye site 26b; and/or
(iii) the Distance A:Distance B Ratio is from 0.5, or 0.6 to 0.7, or 0.8, or 0.9, or 1.0, or 1.1, or 1.2, or 1.3, or 1.5; and/or
(iv) a width, C, and a height, D. In an embodiment, the pouch 34 has a width, C, from 3 cm, or 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm to 7 cm, or 8 cm, or 9 cm, or 10 cm, or 11 cm, or 12 cm; and/or
(v) a height, D, from 1 cm, or 2 cm, or 3 cm to 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm; and/or
(vi) a Width C:Height D Ratio from 1.0, or 1.5, or 2.0, or 2.2, or 2.5 to 2.8, or 3.0, or 3.5, or 4.0; and/or
(vii) the pouch top edge 40 is located at a distance, E, from the waist edge 17 that is from 0.5 cm, or 1 cm, or 2 cm, or 3 cm to 4 cm, or 5 cm, or 6 cm, or 7 cm, or 8 cm, or 9 cm, or 10 cm; and/or
(viii) each light device 48a, 48b is configured to emit light in a pattern selected from a blinking pattern, a sequential pattern, and combinations thereof; and/or
(ix) the light devices 48a, 48b are motion-activated to emit light; and/or
(x) the audio-emitting device 54 is motion-activated to play a sound; and/or
(xi) the light devices 48a, 48b and the audio-emitting device 54 are waterproof; and/or
(xii) the light devices 48a, 48b, the audio-emitting device 54, and the optional substrate are removable from the pouch 34; and/or
(xiii) the light devices 48a, 48b are configured to emit light in substantially the same direction; and/or
(xiv) the merged back panel 14 and front panel 12 form a clothing shape selected from brief, bikini, thong, boy-short, g-string, tanga, hipster, and boxer.

Bounded by no particular theory, it is believed that mating the light devices with eye sites of an animal print on an undergarment provide a wearer with allure by accentuating the wearer's genitals. Placing the light devices in a pouch on the inner surface of the front panel provide comfort to the wearer because it avoids placing potentially sharp edges in contact with a wearer's skin.
Bounded by no particular theory, it is also believed that light devices and audio-emitting devices that are removable from the pouch enable washing of the undergarment, and allow a wearer to easily replace a device once a battery or a light device becomes worn out.
The undergarment may comprise two or more embodiments disclosed herein.
By way of example, and not limitation, an example of the present disclosure are provided.

EXAMPLE

The undergarment of Figure 1 is produced by folding a single piece of fabric at the crotch section 18,and stitching the front panel 12 to the back panel 14 at a first hip section 18a and a second hip section 18b. The fabric is formed from a combination of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The undergarment has a bikini shape.
The outer surface 20 of the front panel 12 includes an animal print 24 of a domestic cat. The animal print 24 includes two eye sites 26a, 26b. Each eye site 26a, 26b includes a graphic of a pupil, as shown in Figure 9. Each eye site 26a, 26b is translucent such that light is visible through the front panel 12 and the animal print 24.
Each eye site 26a, 26b is located at a distance, A, from the waist edge 17 of 3.5 cm. The distance, B, between each eye site 26a, 26b is 5.5 cm. The Distance A:Distance B Ratio is 0.6.
The animal print 24 also includes a mouth 28 aligned with the crotch section 18, and a nose 30 located between the mouth 28 and the eye sites 26a, 26b.
A pouch panel 36 formed from the same fabric as the front panel 12 and the back panel 14 is cut into a rectangle shape with a width, C, of 7.5 cm, and a height, D, of 3 cm. The pouch panel 36 is attached to the inner surface 22 of the front panel 12 with glue along the pouch bottom edge 42, the pouch first side edge 44, and the pouch second side edge 46. The pouch top edge 40 is not glued to the front panel 12. Consequently, the pouch 34 includes an opening at the top edge 40. The pouch has a Width C:Height D Ratio of 2.5.
The pouch 34 is aligned with the eye sites 26a, 26b. In other words, the pouch 34 is positioned directly behind the eye sites 26a, 26b, on the inner surface 22 of the front panel 12. The distance, E, between the pouch top edge 40 and the waist edge 17, is 1.5 cm.
Two light devices 48a, 48b are placed in the pouch 34, each light device 48a, 48b mated to a respective eye site 26a, 26b. The light devices 48a, 48b are configured to emit light in a pattern that is blinking and sequential, in green, blue and red colored light. The light devices 48a, 48b are waterproof and are motion-activated to emit visible light. The light devices 48a, 48b are configured to emit light through the front panel 12 and through the respective eye site 26a, 26b. Mating the light devices 48a, 48b with the eye sites 26a, 26b of the animal print 24 on the undergarment 10 provides a wearer with allure by accentuating the wearer's genitals.
The pouch 34 is constructed to compressively hold the light devices 48a, 48b in alignment with the respective eye site 26a, 26b. The light devices 48a, 48b are removable from the pouch 34.
It is specifically intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

An undergarment comprising:
a back panel;

a front panel merged to the back panel at a crotch section and at two opposing hip sections, the front panel comprising an inner surface and an outer surface;

an animal print on the outer surface of the front panel, the animal print comprising a plurality of eye sites;

a pouch on the inner surface of the front panel, the pouch aligned with the eye sites; and

a plurality of light devices in the pouch, each light device mated with a respective eye site, each light device configured to emit light through a respective eye site.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the animal print comprises a mouth, the mouth aligned with the crotch section.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light devices are removable from the pouch.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light devices are motion-activated to emit light.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light devices are configured to emit light in substantially the same direction.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light devices are attached to a substrate, the substrate supporting the light devices in a spaced-apart relation.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the pouch is attached to the inner surface of the front panel by an attachment selected from the group consisting of stitching, glue, reciprocal fastening members, and combinations thereof.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the pouch is constructed to hold each of the plurality of light devices in intimate contact with the front panel and in alignment with a respective eye site.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the pouch is constructed to compressively hold each of the plurality of light devices in alignment with a respective eye site.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the pouch has an opening.
The undergarment of claim 10, wherein the opening is a re-closable opening.
The undergarment of claim 1, wherein the animal print consists of a first eye site and a second eye site; and
the pouch comprises a first light device aligned with the first eye site and a second light device aligned with the second eye site.
The undergarment of claim 1 comprising an audio-emitting device in the pouch.
The undergarment of claim 13, wherein the audio-emitting device is removable from the pouch.
The undergarment of claim 13, wherein the plurality of light devices and the audio-emitting device are electrically connected to a power source; and
the plurality of lights, the audio-emitting device, and the power source are attached to a substrate, the substrate supporting the light devices in a spaced-apart relation.